Rawalpindi:
Twelve soldiers were martyred and 35 terrorists linked to the Khwarij Fitna network sponsored by India were killed in two separate intelligence operations carried out in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa between September 10 and 13, military media wing reported on Saturday.
According to public relations between services (ISPR), the first operation took place in the District of Bajaur after terrorist presence reports. “The troops themselves effectively compromised the location, and after an intense exchange of fire, 22 militants were killed,” said the statement.
In a separate meeting in the South Waziristan district, 13 more terrorists were “neutralized” by security forces. The Army confirmed that 12 personnel “fought galantely, paid the last sacrifice and hugged Shahadat (martyrdom).”
Read more: 14 TTP terrorists neutralized in KP operations
Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists, who, according to the Army, had been involved in multiple attacks in the region.
The ISPR added that intelligence reports indicated the physical participation of Afghan nationals in recent attacks, emphasizing that “the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan by terrorists remains a serious concern.”
“Pakistan hopes that the Afghan interim government defends its responsibilities and denies the use of its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan,” the statement said.
The military said that disinfecting operations were ongoing to eliminate the remaining terrorists, promising that the Armed Forces were “determined to eliminate the threat of terrorism” and that the sacrifices of the soldiers “strengthen our resolution further.”
President, PM pays tribute to the martyred soldier
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his pain for the loss of 12 soldiers and said his sacrifice would not go in vain. “The blood of our martyrs even more strengthens the nation’s resolution to eradicate terrorism,” he said, urging Kabul to “ensure that Afghan soil is not used against Pakistan.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces to eliminate 35 terrorists in Bajaur and Waziristan del Sur, while paying tribute to the 12 soldiers who hugged martyrdom during operations.
In a statement, the prime minister praised the courage of the troops, prayed for the elevation of the rows of the martyrs and prolonged condolences to their families. He said that the entire nation greeted the security forces, who continued standing as a rock in the fight against terrorism, reiterating the determination of their government to eradicate militancy in all its forms.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised security forces to frustrate terrorist designs through “timely and professional action.” He greeted the staff that “Khawarij brought to their shameful final” and said that the martyrs’ sacrifices were a testimony of the unwavering resolution of Pakistan.
Sindh and Punjab CMS, and Governor KP congratulates security forces
Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz also praised security forces for his successful operations in South Wazirist, hosting the elimination of 35 terrorists as a great achievement. She paid tribute to the 12 soldiers who gave their lives, saying that they had “paid the price of peace with their blood.”
Governor Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Faisal Karim Kundi paid tribute to the courage of security forces. He said that the sacrifices of fallen soldiers would not be in vain and would emphasize that the resolution of the Nation to defeat terrorism was “unwavering.”
The Sindh Prime Minister Murad Ali Shah also praised the efforts of the military in Bajaur and Waziristan del Sur, qualifying the elimination of 35 terrorists a “great achievement of the brave armed forces.” He issued tribute to the martyrs and reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism would continue until the last militant was eliminated.
